Although San Diego Beer Week is not until November, you can join members of the San Diego Brewers Guild this weekend at the Lodge at Torrey Pines for an intimate preview event that they call Beer Hall. Adam Carbonell, President of the Brewers Guild, told us what to expect from this intimate beer/food pairing event.
First, tell us a little bit about San Diego Beer Week.
Well, every week in San Diego could be called ‘San Diego Beer Week’, but the actual event runs over 10 days in November. It is when we basically show off the best of this creative beer culture we’ve been breeding to a lot of outside visitors. It’s sad that we have some of the best music, food and beer in the country, yet our greatest cultural icon is a killer whale.
So what were some of the stand-out events during last year’s official San Diego Beer Week?
The Brewers Guild Festival is where everyone brings their A game. It’s a chance for us to really show off to each other. Last year, that was held in Liberty Station, allowing us to get better bands and food, from pub grub to fine dining.
What can people expect from this Friday’s Beer Hall event?
Instead of the 460+ events that go on during an entire beer week, this will just be one mini-event to give people an idea of what they can expect from Beer Week. All chefs and brewers are members of the San Diego Brewers Guild, so it’s a chance for people to showcase their own styles versus just putting out their restaurant’s menu. Maybe a guy works on the line at a pizza place, but can make some killer Brussels sprouts, or some great sweatbreads. We just say, "Hey, have fun with it."
Who are the breweries who will be participating this weekend?
There will be eight local breweries, including AleSmith, Ballast Point, Port Brewing, etc., who will each be paired with a chef. Check out the full line-up—people are going to get great value for their money, not just tiny little tastes of things.
Which food/beer pairing are you most excited about?
Chef Nate Soroko of North Park’s Toronado will be working with the owner of Pizza Port as his sous chef, who will be stepping off the beer side to make food. It’s really exciting when these brewers want to be in the kitchen as much as in the brewery. It’s all about the creative process.
Tickets for Beer Hall are $65 per person, and include eight pairings. Friday, June 10, 7-9 p.m.
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